100 years of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in the UK

Helen Lane1, John Moppett2

  • 1Paediatric Haematology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK.

PubMed

Insights

Over the last century, UK paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia care has seen significant advancements. UK trials have been pivotal in improving treatment outcomes for children with this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Paediatric Oncology
  • Clinical Trials
  • Leukemia Research

Background:

  • Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a significant childhood cancer.
  • Historically, outcomes for paediatric ALL were poor.
  • Advances in treatment have dramatically improved survival rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review 100 years of paediatric ALL care development in the UK.
  • To highlight the role of UK ALL clinical trials.
  • To showcase improvements in patient care and outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Historical review of paediatric ALL care in the UK.
  • Analysis of contributions from UK Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia trials.
  • Summary of treatment evolution and supportive care enhancements.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrable progress in paediatric ALL treatment protocols over a century.
  • Significant impact of UK ALL trials on therapeutic strategies.
  • Marked improvements in survival rates and quality of life for paediatric patients.

Conclusions:

  • UK clinical trials have been instrumental in advancing paediatric ALL care.
  • Continued research and collaborative trials are essential for further progress.
  • The journey of paediatric ALL care in the UK represents a major success in paediatric oncology.

Related Concept Videos

Probability Laws01:49

Probability Laws

Overview
Disorders of Leukocytes01:27

Disorders of Leukocytes

Leukocyte disorders can lead to either leukopenia, characterized by an abnormally low leukocyte count, or leukocytosis, marked by a very high leukocyte number.
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune system...
Rh Blood Group01:19

Rh Blood Group

The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants01:22

Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants

Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for several diseases, including cancer and specific genetic disorders. Notably, this procedure is applicable for patients suffering from aplastic anemia, certain types of leukemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and certain cancers.
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...